Visiting Portsmouth, NH with Kids: A Charming Coastal Family Getaway
If you’re looking for a charming New England destination that’s easy to explore with kids, Portsmouth, New Hampshire should absolutely be on your list. This small coastal city is packed with history, beautiful waterfront views, locally owned shops, and fantastic restaurants.
We’ve visited Portsmouth with our kids twice and each trip reminded us why we love it so much. It’s the perfect place for a weekend family getaway in New England.
Where to Stay in Portsmouth with Kids
Both times we visited, we stayed right in downtown Portsmouth so we could easily walk everywhere.
We’d recommend either hotel. The location is fantastic — you can simply walk out the door and start exploring. Many of the best restaurants, shops, and waterfront views are within a few minutes.
Parking was also easier than expected. We were able to find street parking very close to the hotels without much trouble.
When to Visit Portsmouth, NH with Kids
We’ve visited Portsmouth twice with our kids — once in early October during the fall and once in late July during the summer. We loved both trips for different reasons.
Our October visit was especially beautiful with fall colors, crisp air, and a cozy New England atmosphere. Walking around the historic streets while the leaves were changing made the trip feel extra special.
Our July visit had a completely different vibe. The waterfront was lively, the weather was warm, and it was perfect for walking around town, grabbing ice cream, and spending time outside.
Both seasons were fantastic for exploring Portsmouth with kids. If you’re considering a winter visit, just keep in mind that New Hampshire winters can be very cold, which may make walking around the city less enjoyable with younger kids.
Why We Love Portsmouth for a Family Trip
What makes Portsmouth feel special is how different it is from many other tourist towns.
You won’t find many chain stores or chain restaurants here. Instead, the city is filled with locally owned shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, which gives it a unique and authentic New England feel.
Another thing our kids loved was seeing the Memorial Bridge in action. The bridge is a vertical lift bridge, which raises to allow boats to pass underneath. Watching it lift was something we had never seen before and it was surprisingly fascinating for both kids and adults.
Portsmouth is also extremely walkable, making it ideal for families with kids. You can easily spend a few hours wandering the historic streets, popping into shops, and stopping for snacks or dessert along the way.
Prescott Park
One of the prettiest places in Portsmouth is Prescott Park, located right along the water. The park features beautiful flower gardens, fountains, and waterfront views along the Piscataqua River.
It’s a great spot to relax, walk around, or enjoy the scenery.
One thing to note if you're visiting with younger kids: there isn’t a playground in the park, which surprised us a bit. So while it’s a lovely place to stroll, it’s not necessarily a place where kids will run around for hours.
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
If you're visiting Portsmouth with kids, The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is absolutely worth the short drive.
The museum is located about 15–20 minutes from downtown Portsmouth, in nearby Dover. It’s packed with interactive exhibits designed for younger kids.
Our kids were 7 and 4 years old at the time, and they had an amazing time. We easily could have spent half a day there. If you’re planning a family trip to Portsmouth, this is definitely one activity to add to your itinerary.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Downtown Portsmouth
Portsmouth has a fantastic food scene, and many of the restaurants are welcoming to families. You’ll find everything from seafood and tacos to pizza and brunch spots.
Here are a few great kid-friendly restaurants within walking distance of downtown hotels.
A super fun and colorful brunch spot known for its creative all-day breakfast menu and quirky decor. Kids love the atmosphere and the oversized pancakes.
If your kids love pizza, this is a must-visit. Flatbread Company serves wood-fired pizzas made with local ingredients, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it great for families.
A casual burger spot with creative toppings and great fries. It’s a popular place with locals and perfect for a laid-back family dinner.
If your family enjoys Mexican food, Vida Cantina serves delicious tacos and fresh ingredients in a fun environment.
Great Coffee Shops in Portsmouth
We stopped here during our visit and really enjoyed it. The pastries were excellent and the café has a relaxed European feel. The bakery is known for handcrafted pastries and croissants made using classic French techniques.
A cozy downtown coffee shop with breakfast options.
A small European-style coffee shop known for excellent espresso and pastries.
Great for bagels, pastries, and quick breakfast options.
Breweries in Portsmouth
If you enjoy craft beer, Portsmouth has several breweries where families are welcome earlier in the day.
Dessert Spots Kids Will Love
No family trip is complete without dessert.
- Kilwins - Ice cream, fudge, and handmade chocolates.
- Izzy’s Frozen Yogurt - Frozen yogurt with tons of toppings.
- Popovers on the Square - A great spot for pastries and sweet treats.
A 1-Day Portsmouth, NH Itinerary with Kids
If you're visiting Portsmouth for a quick family getaway or weekend trip, here’s a simple one-day itinerary that works great with kids.
Morning: Breakfast + Exploring Downtown
Start your morning with breakfast at Elephantine Bakery or Ceres Bakery.
After breakfast, walk around Market Square and the historic downtown streets. Portsmouth is incredibly walkable, and part of the fun is simply exploring.
Walk toward the river to see the Memorial Bridge. If you're lucky, you may even see the vertical lift bridge raise to let boats pass.
Late Morning: Walk to Prescott Park
Next, walk to Prescott Park to enjoy the waterfront views and gardens.
Kids will enjoy watching boats pass through the harbor, and it’s a relaxing place to slow down during your day.
Lunch: Casual Family Restaurant
For lunch, try one of these great spots nearby:
- Flatbread Company for wood-fired pizza
- Lexie’s Joint for burgers and fries
- The Friendly Toast for fun brunch options
All are within easy walking distance of downtown.
Afternoon: The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
Drive about 15–20 minutes to Dover to visit the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire.
Our kids absolutely loved the hands-on exhibits. It’s the perfect place for kids to play and explore.
Dinner and Dessert Back in Portsmouth
Return to Portsmouth for dinner and dessert.
Dinner options:
Dessert options:
- Kilwins for ice cream and fudge
- Izzy’s Frozen Yogurt for toppings galore
- Popovers on the Square for baked treats
Finish the evening with one last walk around downtown Portsmouth before heading back to your hotel.
Portsmouth is one of those places that feels both relaxing and fun at the same time.
Between the walkable downtown, waterfront views, great food, and family-friendly attractions, it’s an easy destination for a weekend getaway.
If you’re planning a family trip to coastal New England, Portsmouth is definitely worth adding to your list.
